Who wants to talk football?
 

I'm looking to discuss Monday night's game with some Saints fans who want to talk without the trash back and forth that some fans feel is necessary for a conversation.

My son and I have been Season Ticket Holders for the Patriots for a while now, this being our 18th season. Do I have all the answers, of course not. All I'm looking for is a discussion about the game with fans who feel that Monday night is going to be a great game between two great teams. I will be on and off this MB a few times over the next few days looking for some intelligent, informative discussion.

If you want to talk, let's talk.

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

This will be a great game as the Patriots' offense matches up against the Saints' offense. I'm sure it'll end up being a shootout, with the winner being the team that can stop the other team more on defense. I have a feeling it'll get close and one good stop may decide the game.

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

It really doesn't matter if the offenses match up. I don't know enough about the NO Saints as a team - that's why I'm here - , but the NO defense - how young (inexperienced) or veteran (experienced) is it? The Patriots have some young players in the D backfield who are finally beginning to develop. The Patriots front 7 is better than most, so I'm really not concerned there. I just don't know if the DBs and Safety's can handle an O like yours, yet - see the Colts game. No, I'm not giving up, but until Monday night, and probably well into the game, we are probably just guessing which D will have a problem with the opposing O. Any insights?

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

Welcome 71 and yes we too love to talk football without all of the trash involved. I really think the game will be alot closer than any final score. If the Patriots play true to form they will let down in the 2nd half and if the Saints play true to form they will start slow and finish with a bang in the 2nd half, specifically the 4th quarter. That could spell trouble for the Patriots when combined with the homefield advantage. I really wish we were playing someone else.

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

We have several players in the Defense Backfield who are hurt. Pass rush by Grant and Smith and interior will determine the game. If Brady has time,no one can cover Randy Moss and Welker an entire game. Maroney looks like he is running extremely well.

Close game, the team with least amount of penalties, fumbles/interceptions and best special team play wins.

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

We will win

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

I still think the Pats are the class of the NFL. This will be a litmus test for the Saints. If we win I think we have arrived at the doorstep of elite.

Its kinda hard to talk trash as a Saints fan since we have a 40 year history of sucking beyond suck.

It should be a great game, I hope.

I think our secondary will limit Moss and Welker (at least as much as any team really can).

Brady is excellent at finding that mismatch and exploiting it. I can see him working the middle/intermediate routes against Harper and our LB's. They're pretty good, and they're playing very well this year, but have yet to face any QB as good as Brady this season.

This may be one of those games where we bend but hopefully don't break.

I look for the Saints to play balanced on offense. As long as we take what your defense gives us we'll light any team up.

Once again, I know its a cliche, but turnovers will decide this game. The team that makes the least mistakes walks out a winner.

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

:stupid:

Welcome, 71.

I think I speak with everyone here in saying we can't wait to see this game. Here's another cliche:
"You've got to beat the best to be the best! ... Or ....If you want to be the best, you've got to play and beat the best!"

btw ... what's up with Brady's unsportsmanlike 'tude after a loss... it seemed as though he dissed Manning's post-game handshake?

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

I agree with Danno, this game determines whether the saints join the elites. While 10-0 is impressive, no one will claim that we have beaten an elite team at he top of it's game. The Pats are as good as their press. They don't beat themselves and they dictate pace and direction of their opponents. It can only be a team with supreme will that will be able to be disciplined enough to exploit the weaknesses in the secondary, the lack of effective rushing and their late lack of energy on d in the 4th.

The saints d is the key to this game. If Ellis doesn't play and Greer is limited, this game will go the pats way

Re: Who wants to talk football?
 

Welcome 71. This game should be as great as all the hype leading up to it. As Drew Brees said The Pats are a team we are trying to emulate. To build a team like you have been through this decade with free agency is quite amazing. This game should come down to the final second. The team with the fewest mistakes will win this game. Really profound but this is one game where we can't make the mistakes we made against Carolina or St. Louis and expect a win. If we play mistake free I think we come out on top but if we turnover the ball and commit too many penalties it will be a long night for the home team. Are you making the trip for the game? If so enjoy our great city.